The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) today deplored the continued aerial bombardments in Bentiu town in the country's Unity state, and called on the country and its neighbour, Sudan, to take all measures to ensure the safety of civilians.

"These indiscriminate bombings resulting in the loss of civilian lives must stop," said the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan, Hilde F. Johnson.

According to early reports, the bombing started at 8:30 local time, hitting the Rubkona market and leading to the death of at least one person, as well as injuring four others.

"I remind the parties to the conflict of their obligation to abide by international human rights and humanitarian law, take all measures not to harm civilians, and guarantee the safety of international aid organizations and United Nations personnel and assets," Ms. Johnson said.

Last week, top UN officials spoke out against bombings by Sudanese forces in the cities of Mayom and Bentiu in South Sudan which killed at least eight civilians and wounded 22 others.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also reiterated his deep concern over continuing hostilities between the two countries, and urged their governments to halt the escalating violence along their border areas.